Introducing Global Nest Mama: A Tapestry of Roots
Hi, I’m Dani!
In a nutshell, I am a mother in a three-continent living, multilingual and multicultural family. Hence, Global Nest Mama.
Being a Global Nest Mama, the question of “Where are you from?” for my children often lingers in my mind, especially when thinking about their future. What will their response be? Will they feel a sense of belonging? Will they feel like they belong everywhere or like they don’t belong anywhere? These uncertainties have propelled me to reflect on the unique tapestry of influences that shape our family’s identity. And since it’s up to us as parents, we will wholeheartedly try to make sure they feel they belong to and in all places we live in/come from.
Let me begin by sharing my background. I am a Bosnian-Serbian, raised in the Serbian region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. My heritage is a blend of a Serbian mother from Serbia and a Bosnian-Serbian father from Bosnia, adding a touch of complexity that is uniquely Bosnian. Yes, I know it’s complicated. Initially monolingual, my journey to becoming multilingual began through education, extensive travels, and living in different countries. Today, I speak Serbian and English fluently, with basic proficiency in Italian and Spanish (thank you, telenovelas!).
On the other hand, my husband’s story is an exquisite interplay of cultures. Born in Sudan, he embodies the fusion of a Sudanese father and a Russian mother. Growing up in Sudan, Libya, and Syria until the age of 19, he was raised bilingual, effortlessly conversing in Arabic and Russian. As he pursued his education and lived in Canada, he embraced English, enriching his linguistic repertoire further. Should I count in the Serbian he is picking up with the kids on the go?
Together, we have built a life in Dubai, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known as the world’s largest melting pot. Dubai’s multicultural landscape provides a nurturing environment where our family flourishes. Despite our day-to-day lives being centered in Dubai, our connections remain strong in Canada and Bosnia, where our extended families reside and we maintain our presence.
Our family is an intricate blend of diverse roots, cultures, experiences, and languages. This rich amalgamation defines our parenting decisions and shapes our journey in ways we never imagined. The complexities of our multicultural and multilingual family may sound overwhelming, but they enrich our lives beyond measure.
Navigating the Challenges: Cultivating Identity and Connection
One of the challenges we face as a multicultural family is nurturing our child’s sense of identity and connectedness. The question of “Where are you from?” can be treated as a simple query by many, but for our children, it is a matter of self-reflection and understanding their place in the world. We are committed to providing them with the tools and knowledge to embrace their diverse background confidently.
Maintaining a strong connection with our extended families is a vital aspect of our journey. Despite the geographical distance, we use technology to bridge the gap and ensure our child remains connected to their roots. We cherish the valuable moments spent with grandparents, aunts, and uncles, where language, food, and traditions intertwine and create lasting memories.
The Gift of Multilingualism: Expanding Horizons
Multilingualism is a cherished gift that we embrace wholeheartedly within our family. We believe that language is not just a means of communication but a gateway to different cultures, perspectives, and opportunities. Our multilingual household serves as a linguistic playground, where our child is exposed to Serbian, Arabic, English, Russian, and beyond.
Research has shown that multilingualism enhances cognitive abilities, encourages critical thinking, and instills adaptability in language use. Each language holds a piece of their identity, a connection to their heritage, and a bridge to diverse communities worldwide.
Buckle Up: Embarking on an Exciting Journey
As you can see, our family is a unique fusion of diverse roots, cultures, experiences and languages, which defines our parenting decisions. While we navigate this remarkable parenting journey with its complexities and joys, we invite you to buckle up and join us. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity and explore the wonders of multilingualism. We’ll share our triumphs, challenges, and the valuable lessons we learn along the way.
By embracing our global nest and nurturing our child’s unique identity, we hope to inspire others and foster a sense of understanding and acceptance in our ever-connected world. Join us as we embrace the beauty of our multicultural, multilingual family and pave the way for a more inclusive future.
Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures, anecdotes, and reflections as we dive deeper into the blissful chaos of our global nest!